Henna is a tall flowering shrub usually found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Southern Asia and northern Australasia. The word "Henna" comes from the Arabic name Hina for Lawsonia inermis. In India henna is sometimes referred to as Mehndi.

Lawson is a  red-orange dye molecule produced by Henna, Lawsonia inermis. The molecule has the unique ability for bonding and hence has been used to dye skin (henna temporary tattoos), fingernails, leather, silk and wool.

The dye molecule, lawsone which is used for bonding is mostly concentrated in the leaves of the tall henna shrub. Some products such as "black henna" and "neutral henna" are not made from true henna and may contain unlisted dyes and chemicals.

Henna has primarily been used to decorate the skin of an Asian bride before she gets married, in festivals and other celebrations. It is mainly used by women and children. Because of this henna is commercially cultivated in western India, Pakistan, Morocco, Yemen, Iran, Sudan and Libya. 

Henna for centuries has been used for body art, henna temporary tattoos, to dye hair and preservative for leather and cloth. Henna temporary tattoos have become more main stream and the practise is no longer just restricted to Asian cultures.

The application of henna temporary tattoos by a henna artist can be a quick or a long process depending on the intricate nature of the henna design. Once applied, the paste is left on the skin until it dries and naturally starts to peel off. This will leave an orange pattern on your skin which will darken and last for about a month.